Undergraduate Research Opportunities

PSYCH 499 is an undergraduate research experience that allows students to earn academic credit while working in a faculty- or graduate student-led research lab. Students contribute to ongoing projects and gain hands-on experience in research methods, data collection, and analysis.

PSYCH 499 is available to both psychology majors and non-majors. For psychology majors, it will fulfill the department's experience requirement.

To learn more about PSYCH 496-499 experiences, please watch this video.

How to get started with PSYCH 499

1. Explore Opportunities

   Review current research opportunities listed below, browse the Psychology faculty directory, explore Centers and Institutes, or connect with other students to find a lab that aligns with your interests.

2. Reach Out to Psychology Researchers

   Finding a lab can take 2-3+ quarters, so start early.

   Contact the faculty member or graduate student leading the project. Discuss the work involved and determine the number of hours you will complete:

   • 3 credits = 9 hours/week
   • 2 credits = 6 hours/week
   • 1 credit = 3 hours/week

   Some labs may request a resume and/or interview.

3. Registration and Add Code Instructions

   Visit the PSYCH 499 registration page for current registration procedures and to request an add code.

4. Register for PSYCH 499

   After receiving an add code, register for the approved number of credits.

Research Opportunities Beyond Psychology

You may also explore opportunities through the UW Office of Undergraduate Research, which includes projects across many departments.

If you find a position outside of Psychology that is relevant to the field, you may be able to apply it toward your Psychology degree requirements as a substitution. To request approval, contact Cy Delgado (delgadoc@uw.edu) and include:

• A brief description of the research project
• The name and department of the supervising faculty member

Psychology students have previously found relevant research opportunities in areas such as: Biology, Early Childhood & Family Studies, Economics, Foster School of Business, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, Global Health, Human Centered Design & Engineering, Informatics, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Nursing, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Radiology, Social Welfare.

When exploring labs in other departments, keep in mind that research courses may use a different course number (e.g., BIOL 499, GWSS 499, SOC 499, PBSCI 499). With approval, these courses can count toward PSYCH 499. You'll need to work with Psychology Advising to apply them to the experience requirement.